Evil Geniuses Win VALORANT Champions 2023, Defeat Paper Rex

Last Updated: November 5, 2025

In a stunning conclusion to VALORANT's biggest tournament of the year, North America's Evil Geniuses have defeated Pacific titans Paper Rex to be crowned the new VALORANT World Champions in a momentous final. Capping off an incredible tournament run that saw them evolve from underdogs to apex predators, the strategic masterminds of EG overcame the beloved chaos of PRX in a four-map series that showcased the highest level of competitive VALORANT.

The stage at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles was set for a legendary clash of styles. On one side stood Paper Rex, the darlings of the Pacific league, a team renowned for its hyper-aggressive, wildly entertaining "W Gaming" that had won them fans across the globe. They entered the final from the lower bracket, hungry for revenge. On the other side was Evil Geniuses, the confident and calculating champions of the upper bracket. Once considered a long shot, EG cultivated a "villain" persona throughout the tournament, backing up their trash talk with flawless fundamentals and ice-cold execution. The narrative was electrifying: could the raw, chaotic energy of Paper Rex shatter the ironclad strategy of Evil Geniuses?

A Four-Map Clash of Philosophies

The series was a spectacle, a battle between two fundamentally different approaches to the game. Paper Rex fired the first shot on EG's map pick of Split. Their signature aggression was on full display, catching EG off guard and allowing PRX to secure a 13-10 victory. For a moment, it seemed the fast-and-furious style would reign supreme.

However, Evil Geniuses demonstrated their champion's mentality. They answered back on Ascent, adapting to the pressure and weathering PRX's storm. In a nail-bitingly close map, EG’s disciplined retakes and crucial mid-round calls allowed them to clutch a 13-11 win, leveling the series and seizing the momentum.

The pivotal third map, Bind, was a showcase of EG's strategic dominance. They completely neutralized Paper Rex's aggressive tendencies, turning their opponents' greatest strength into a weakness. With a near-perfect defensive half, EG systematically dismantled the PRX attack, cruising to a commanding 13-5 victory that put them on championship point. The confidence was radiating from the North American squad.

Facing elimination, Paper Rex fought valiantly on the fourth map, Lotus. The map was a tense, back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows. Yet, with the score tight and the pressure at its absolute peak, it was Evil Geniuses who once again showed their composure. They executed their game plan flawlessly in the final rounds, closing out the map 13-10 and shattering Paper Rex's hopes to secure the world championship.

Evil Geniuses' Path to the Throne

EG's journey to the top is one of the most compelling stories of the 2023 VCT season. After a rocky start to their year, the team hit its stride at the perfect moment. Their run through Champions was not a fluke but a confident assertion of dominance. They notably defeated their Grand Final opponents Paper Rex once before in the Upper Bracket Final, proving their strategic formula was repeatable. Led by the tactical mind of their in-game leader Kelden "Boostio" Pupello and powered by the explosive breakout performance of star duelist Max "Demon1" Mazanov, EG’s victory was a masterclass in adaptation, mental fortitude, and flawless teamwork.

A New Era in VALORANT

As the confetti fell and Evil Geniuses lifted the coveted trophy, a new chapter in VALORANT esports was written. Their victory cemented the Americas as a powerhouse region and proved that meticulous strategy and unbreakable mental discipline can triumph over even the most fearsome aggression. While Paper Rex’s incredible run will be remembered for its heart and excitement, a new king has been crowned. Evil Geniuses’ dominant performance has etched their names into the annals of esports history as the undisputed VALORANT World Champions.